Mexican police clash with protesters in Oaxaca

OAXACA, Mexico, Nov 26 (Reuters) Mexican riot police firing tear gas clashed with protesters launching fireworks and throwing gasoline bombs in the colonial city of Oaxaca, days before President-elect Felipe Calderon takes office.

At least two of the demonstrators, who are demanding the resignation of state Gov. Ulises Ruiz, were injured, local radio said yesterday.

Oaxaca has been in chaos for the last six months because of protests by striking teachers, Indian groups and leftists against Ruiz, who they say is corrupt and authoritarian.

The latest violence flared when hundreds of activists tried to surround federal police occupying the city's central square.

Armored riot trucks with water canons drove the protesters away from the plaza and sent them fleeing down side streets.

In October federal authorities forced their way into the city, normally popular with foreign backpackers, to try to end the conflict, which has killed more than a dozen people.

The situation in Oaxaca will be one of conservative Calderon's most pressing problems when he takes power on December 1. He also faces protests in Mexico City from leftist supporters of losing presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who claim that Calderon won July's election by fraud.

REUTERS BDP KP0853